Chivalry in Medieval England: From Sutton Hoo to Agincourt

Chivalry evokes a picture of knights performing brave deeds for their ladies. But what was it really like? This course looks at chivalry’s origins, its code of military conduct, and its relationship to the Christian faith. It will also touch on chivalry’s impact on the world of romantic attachment.

Provisional Programme:

09.50 – 10.15: Coffee on arrival

10.15 – 11.15: The origins and character of chivalry

11.15 – 11.40: Coffee break

11.40 – 12.40: Chivalry and war: theory against reality

12.40 – 14.00: Lunch break

14.00 – 14.50: Chivalry and faith: piety and the trophies of war in church

Nigel Saul retired in 2015 and is now Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at Royal Holloway, University of London. In 2013 he was historical consultant for the BBC 4 series ‘Chivalry and Betrayal: the Hundred Years War’. Last year he was actively involved in the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta.

He has published extensively on the history of medieval England, his most recent book being For Honour and Fame. Chivalry in England, 1066-1500 (London: Bodley Head, 2011). In 2013 he was historical consultant to the BBC4 series Chivalry and Betrayal: The Hundred Years War. He is a member of the Editorial Advisory Board of the magazine History Today.

Previous Feedback:

When asked ‘What was best about the day?” at a previous Study Day by Nigel Saul, participants said:

Each session was equally good. A lucid, straightforward, yet thought provoking account. A privilege to attend.

Stay up to date:

Summer Programme:

The Court at Sutton Hoo is still closed for the refurbishment works. We had hoped to find other venues to run the Study Days in the interim, however that has not proved possible so we are assuming that the Study Days will restart again in the Court in September. We are planning an exciting set of topics and speakers. Apologies for the long gap.